Billie Eilish Delivers Stripped-Back Cover of Paramore’s ‘The Only Exception’ in Paris Concert
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Billie Eilish offered a heartfelt, stripped-down cover of Paramore’s beloved 2009 ballad “The Only Exception” during her concert at Paris’s Accor Arena on Monday night, June 10, 2025. The intimate performance, part of her ongoing Hit Me Hard and Soft tour, brought an emotional moment to the audience, showcasing the singer’s deep connection to the song and its emo-pop roots.
Taking a break from her usual setlist, Eilish sat down in a circle with her band, delivering the melancholic tune with a raw, minimalistic arrangement. The crowd immediately recognized the 2009 fan favorite, and the video clip of the performance quickly spread across social media, with fans and fellow artists alike praising her rendition.
Among those showing appreciation was Paramore’s lead vocalist Hayley Williams, who reposted the clip on her Instagram Stories, tagging Eilish and writing, “@billieeilish i love you sweet baby b — y’all did this so beautifully.” This mutual admiration is not a one-off; the two artists have shared significant moments in the past. In 2022, Eilish invited Williams to the stage at Coachella, where they performed Paramore’s “Misery Business” and Eilish’s own hit “Happier Than Ever.” Williams returned the favor in 2023 by bringing Eilish onstage during Paramore’s Los Angeles concert to perform “All I Wanted.”
The Paris performance came midway through Eilish’s 25-song Hit Me Hard and Soft set, which supports her third studio album of the same name. Released on May 17, 2024, Hit Me Hard and Soft debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, following the success of her previous albums When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019) and Happier Than Ever (2021). Eilish’s latest album continues to capture the singer’s evolution, combining introspective lyrics with her signature experimental style.
Eilish’s career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements, including becoming the youngest artist in history to sweep the top four general field Grammy Awards in one night. With 36 songs charting on the Billboard Hot 100, including the No. 1 smash “Bad Guy,” she has solidified her place as one of the defining voices of her generation.
The Paris performance of “The Only Exception” serves as another example of Eilish’s ability to bridge generational gaps in music, connecting with both longtime fans of Paramore and her own devoted followers. With her stripped-back tribute, Eilish proved once again that her artistry is as deeply rooted in personal expression as it is in honoring the music that has shaped her journey.
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